8 Useful New Year's Resolutions from Bridget Jones

We're a week in to the New Year - 'New Year, New Me' posts aplenty. However, some of us seem to have difficulty to kickstart our resolutions unless all holiday leftovers are gone. Bridget Jones has inspired me to write a New Year's resolution post, having seen Bridget Jones's Diary (with a comprehensive mind; I last saw it when I was 8) on New Year's day. To help (me) you (and everyone we know) to be inspired as well, here are some of Bridget Jones' New Year's resolutions that are well worth giving some thought.

Need a trip down memory lane first? Watch the trailer from the first movie below:

For Self-Improvement AND Love Life:

1. Save Money

Yes, this includes not wasting money on culinary (or other) devices which we'll never use, or buying books that we won't read just to put on our shelves to impress guests. And maybe, you can use the money at the end of the year for more useful items like a new gadget. Savvy?

2. Stop Smoking

There are a lot of reasons and benefits on why smokers should quit smoking. Not only will it reduce risk of having respiratory and circulatory diseases, but it can also improve appearance. But if quitting smoking altogether is simply too difficult - reduce it to a coupl'a sticks a day until you're ready to give it up.

3. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Subjective. Wine and beer are certainly not bad if you drink in moderation... However, drinking more than 10 units of alcohol (vodka, tequila, cheap ale, etc...) a week is quite alarming. At least make it a point to reduce it. Sobriety is a virtue.

4. For The Ladies, Invest In Granny Panties

Bridget Jones wrote down that she wouldn't waste money on exotic underwear anymore as it's pointless since she has no boyfriend. However, granny panties are extremely comfortable and can help flatten the stomach a bit as it reaches the navel. Exotic knickers are great and all, but granny panties are worth the money.

5. Exercise More

Preferably, for at least three times a week. And not just stroll in the gym just to buy a sandwich.

6. Be Charitable

Pass down clothes you have not worn for two years or more to relatives who may want them - or to the homeless. Let's try to be more charitable this year -the world needs more of it!

7. Don't.Fall.For.Douchebags.

This is a piece of advice that I always give to my friends who have entered the realm of dating (even before I'd seen Bridget Jones's Diary). Here is Bridget's guide on who not to fall for:

alcoholics, workaholics, commitment phobics, people with girlfriends orwives, misogynists, megalomaniacs, chauvinists, emotional fuckwits or freeloaders, perverts.

And it's okay to have crushes, but form a relationship based on a mature assessment of the other person's character.

8. Lastly, Learn To Love Yourself.

Inner poise, assertiveness, 'being an ice-queen', and having a love life - heck that'll all resolve itself in good time. Being a singleton is great too, and one thing Bridget (and Darcy) has always emphasized is to love thyself - just as you are. Have a sense of self as a person of substance complete even without an SO.

Self-improvements will show when you finally come to terms with who you are wholly.

Let's make 2016 a kick-ass year! And remember, even Bridget is determined to not just keep her New Year's resolutions, but absolutely make them happen.

Bridget Jones's Baby will make its appearance on September 16, 2016.